New Delhi, April 10: The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are preparing to replace injured Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Cricket director Tom Moody announced on Thursday that the franchise will reveal Hasaranga’s replacement within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Speaking after the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata, Moody stated, “We are ready for the fact that Hasaranga will not be joining us. We are searching for his replacement, and an announcement will be made in the next 24 to 48 hours.”
According to information from ESPN Cricinfo, South African spinner George Linde is likely to be included as Hasaranga’s replacement. The left-arm bowler has yet to play a match in the IPL.
Linde recently played his last T20 match during a bilateral series against New Zealand, where he took just one wicket across four innings. He has also participated in the T20 World Cup. Over the past year, he has been part of various franchise leagues, including the SS20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and PSL.
LSG acquired Hasaranga for ₹2 crore in the last auction, but he could not join the team due to injury. Hasaranga has been sidelined since injuring his left hamstring during Sri Lanka’s first match in the T20 World Cup in February.
He failed to pass the mandatory fitness test overseen by Sri Lanka Cricket, which is essential for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL.
In his IPL career, Hasaranga has played a total of 37 matches, taking 46 wickets at an average of 24.32. He achieved a five-wicket haul once. Last season, he was part of the Rajasthan Royals, and from 2021 to 2023, he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Leave a Comment